The family of an 11-year-old boy who died in Texas is suing energy company Entergy and the Texas grid operator Reliability Council (ERCOT) for more than $ 100 million, alleging gross negligence over the boy’s death. Cristian Pavon died on Tuesday after a freezing night at his family’s mobile home in Conroe, Texas.
The house had been without power since the previous Sunday.
As KHOU, an affiliate of CBS Houston, reports, the lawsuit says Pavon died of hypothermia. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed by coroners.
The family is being represented by lawyer Tony Buzbee. CBS News contacted for comment.
Pavon’s mother, Maria Elisa Pineda Guzman, said the family slept in a room to keep warm. “He fell asleep. He had a shirt, a sweater, two pants, socks,” Pavon’s aunt, Jaliza Yera, told K’HOU. His stepfather examined him later that night and placed another blanket over him.
The family tried to wake Pavon on Tuesday afternoon, but he did not respond. The family told KHOU that they tried to call 911, but were waiting for a Spanish-speaking operator.
KHOU obtained statements from Entergy and ERCOT about the case. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in our community. We cannot comment due to pending litigation,” replied Entergy.
ERCOT issued a statement saying it had not yet analyzed the case. “[We] will respond accordingly when we do. Our thoughts are with all Texans who have suffered or are suffering due to the past week. “
“However, as approximately 46% of private generators shut down last Monday morning, we are confident that our network operators have made the right choice to prevent a statewide blackout,” said ERCOT.